The perks of being a volunteer

Alina Anghel- medical student, traveller, mountain-lover, now EVS volunteer. The past few weeks spent in Smolensk have been quite an experience, trying to break the language barrier being the first step. I've always enjoyed working with children, whether it was teaching or hiking, or just old fashioned playing. So I came to Russia, heart on my sleeve, knowing full well that children are alike all around the world and that a smile doesn't necessarily need words.

Only days into my work, I've gotten proof that kids are the best, hands down. I like to put up a brave front, it's part of my five-feet-and-ready-to-conquer-the-world-persona, but I was, and still am at times, quite anxious about the language barrier thing. That day had been the absolute opposite of a rude awakening, but it was just as effective. I mean, how could I be anxious when some too-pure-for-this-world kids cheered me on for managing to write down their initials? My heart, that so many of you think I don't even have, was ready to burst through my chest. So we played in a somewhat organised chaos and we danced while waiting for our turns and we had a pretty good time. Bear in mind that at that time my vocabulary consisted of about five words, two of which I had learned on the spot- Marina, if you're reading this, know that I've been studying hard and I know a lot more now, but I was excited and words were hard to come by.

Here you can oberserve how a night spent on the bus has no effect whatsoever on our smiles

If I had to sum up my experience here in only a few words, I would say kindness is international, warmth and joy likewise. Being able to come to Smolensk, work here, discover new places and the culture has been a privilege, but as much as I found out about Russia, I learned just as much about me. I suppose that's one of the many perks of volunteering, right next to the friendships that don't quite compare to anything else. If any of you are looking for a sign to take a step into the world of volunteering, this is it! удачи!

Yours truly,

Alina